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AdvertisementHarvest brings consumers, farmers togetherGrowing up on a family farm, agriculture was a way of life for my family and me. Each summer I watched producers and custom harvesters sweep across the Plains in eastern Colorado. Not long after summer crops were harvested, farmers were soon planting next year's crop or preparing for corn harvest. This process usually took place until the end of November. Soon after Christmas, calving would begin for livestock producers and the cycle would repeat each year. I thank my lucky stars each day that I was raised on a farm. There I experienced the magic of a newborn colt, the pain of losing a lamb to hypothermia, the depression of losing a crop to hail and the gratitude that a neighbor received 60 bushels per acre yield on dryland wheat. Recently, I was given the opportunity to cover the National Festival of Breads in Wichita, Kan. The contest was centered around reaching urban audiences outside of Kansas to promote wheat, flour milling and home baking. Over 500 home bakers submitted recipes for a chance to compete in the baking contest. Eight bakers were chosen to compete for the title and participate in a tour of wheat production in Kansas. Many of the home bakers had no idea about the production of wheat, or the process of flour milling. Kansas Wheat and King Arthur Flour collaborated and designed an opportunity for the bakers to see how wheat growers harvest and produce wheat. Throughout the day, I was amazed with the excitement the event received from the bakers. When harvest began at Steve Jacob Farms of Hutchinson, Kan. the bakers stood in amazement. Many of them had only touched wheat in the form of flour. Now they had the opportunity to see how wheat was grown and harvested. Many received a ride in the combine while Ryan Speer harvested. The opportunity to see the bakers' faces full of excitement was priceless. Wheat harvest was finally below their feet. For the first time in my life, I finally saw agriculturalists and consumers mingle in an exciting, positive way. As they talked over a harvest lunch, the wheat growers explained how vital each piece of equipment is to the operation and offered examples of the stresses growers face each day trying to get wheat out of their fields. Weather was obviously the main topic in the conversation of stress. Many of the guests just couldn't believe how weather determined growers' livelihoods, and not to mention the annual U.S. wheat crop. Today, consumers have never been more removed from the farm. While populations continue to grow, farmers continue to work to feed the world. Organizations like Kansas Wheat, agriculturalists and farmers are now developing ways to inform the public about how food and fiber is produced. Plus, the growing interest in agriculture has offered the opportunity for collaborative efforts from the two cultures. It is an exciting thing to see. It is time to work together to educate urban populations about the significance that agriculture has in their lives. If you ever have a chance to educate someone about our industry, take a step back and look at their eagerness to learn. As the day ended, talk was still lingering on the charter bus about how fascinating wheat production is. Crop production is fascinating with a high demand. Therefore, this is my opportunity to thank every farmer for producing food and fiber for consumers no matter what crop and weather conditions Mother Nature brings you. For without your hard work, dedication and passion for agriculture--well, we would all be naked and hungry. Lisa Brown can be reached at 620-227-1805 or by e-mail at lbrown@hpj.com.
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